The 2011 season is right around the corner. Chris and I are packing our bags and getting ready to hike up the mountain in the morning. Wouldn't you know, we have had amazing weather for the past three weeks and today they are calling for a winter warning in the Smokies. Unbelievable!!!! The crew will hit the trail around 10 am. As to what trail, who knows. It all depends on what roads are open. I look forward to returning to the mountain and showing you our day to day lives up top.

Tony

3/10/2011 01:39:20 am

Welcome back Allyson. Look forward to your post.

Michael

3/10/2011 02:54:09 am

Sorry you have to possibly hike up in the snow -- but I'm selfishly looking forward to new snow pictures! Alex ran a fantastic blog over the winter. I found it almost by accident, but checked daily ever since discovering it. Hope to see the lodge for myself sometime this year!

Kathy F

3/10/2011 03:01:53 am

Welcome back Allyson and crew!!! I too am looking forward to your pictures and daily posts. Good luck with the hike.

Paul B

3/10/2011 03:14:34 am

Welcome back and have a safe trek through the always changing spring conditions. I look forward to watching the spring come alive through your lens.

Jo

3/10/2011 03:35:17 am

Welcome back Allyson and crew!!! I am looking forward to your pics and posts!!

Jeanie

3/10/2011 03:41:50 am

Welcome back, Allyson, Chris and crew!! It's hard to believe that winter is about over (calendar wise anyway) and you are back! I, too, am looking forward to your blog/pictures and wonderful information.
Take care!

Carl L

3/10/2011 04:17:35 am

Looking forward to hiking up next weekend and meeting everyone. Only a day hike but can't wait to get started!
One of my buddies Captin Tom has made the summit many times. First time for Bob and myself. The post and pics have been great. See ya next weekend.

Todd T

3/10/2011 04:22:32 am

Welcome back and be careful on the way back up. We'll see you in April.

scott

3/10/2011 04:31:17 am

Welcome back Allyson, Chris, and crew. Hope to see you in May. Have a great year!

Rose

3/10/2011 05:24:54 am

Hi Allyson! I just found this blog site recently so all I know is Alex...but I know the mt well. Only one more trail and I will have done all 5! I'm looking forward to seeing your pics and spring time come to the area. Such beauty...can't wait to get back there.
Have a great and memorable year!

Mary

3/10/2011 05:59:08 am

Welcome back Allyson, Chris and the rest of the crew, I hope you have a safe hike up. Look forward to seeing you later this summer, but more so, I look forward to your great photos. Welcome Spring!!

Galen

3/10/2011 06:38:37 am

Welcome back Allyson and crew. Looking forward to watching the mountain come alive this spring through your lens.
Be up in May for an overnight but hope to do a day hike sooner. Have a safe hike up and a great season.

Andy

3/10/2011 07:32:11 am

Allyson - let us know tomorrow morning how trails / roads are looking! we are driving up from Florida to Gatlinburg tomorrow for a weekend hike. Planning to be at Ice Water on Saturday night and come to LeConte Shelter on Sunday via Boulevard with an exit hike down Trillium on Monday.

LoDelWayne

3/10/2011 08:03:07 am

I hope your trip is a good one. I can't wait to get back to the Smokys and see that mountain!

Susan B

3/10/2011 08:58:43 am

Welcome back! I am so happy that winter is almost finished. It's been a tough winter for many of us and i'm so tired of being cold and cooped up inside. Soon we will all be out enjoying God's world once again and his wonderful creation. Safe travels to everyone hiking!

Marilyn

3/10/2011 11:01:16 am

Allyson, welcome back to you and the 2011 crew. It was great seeing the winter season through the eyes of Alex. Looking forward to the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons with you and the rest of the crew! Can't wait to hike LeConte in September.

First of all, welcome back Allison and I hope that you have a safe trip up the mountain. I have a question that I have been wondering for a while now. You stated in an earlier post that you will have several new employees this year. My question is, How many new applicants do you have each year and how do you decide who will become part of your team? Thanks

Allyson

3/10/2011 01:52:41 pm

Jacob, I don't have a lot to do with the hiring for the mountain. We get quit a few applications for each season. Depending on the season, we may have not have many slots to fill. This year we only had to fill 5 slots.

Ken T

3/10/2011 03:24:32 pm

So glad you're back Allyson and crew. See you in April.
Ken and Harriett

kelly

3/10/2011 09:37:00 pm

Welcome back from Marietta, Georgia! Hope you have a safe and pleasant hike up, and a great season.

Jeanette

3/11/2011 12:29:24 am

Welcome back to the Allyson & crew from John's Aunt! Wishing you all a safe hike up the mountain and have a great season. Keep thinking SPRING! Hope to see you all sometime this season.